2009 Mazda CX-7 Review

Mazda makes the best-selling sports car ever, the MX-5 Miata,
and the only successful series of Wankel rotary-piston powered sports cars,
in the RX-7 and RX-8 line. Those are more than mere "halo vehicles" meant
to provide an image that may rub off on more pedestrian models, because
there is more than a little Miata or RX in every Mazda.

Even Mazda crossovers. Especially if the Mazda crossover in
question is the CX-7.

With its sleek, RX-8-inspired lines and well-raked windshield,
the CX-7 looks like a cross(over) between a sports coupe and an SUV. The
underhood specification -- a turbocharged and intercooled twincam 2.3-liter
four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection and variable cam phasing
for 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, matched to a six-speed
automatic transmission with manual-shift mode -- says "sport" a little more
loudly.

Which leaves the chassis to finalize the deal. Here,
requirements for a sports coupe (or sedan) and an SUV would seem
contradictory. For a sports level of control and road manners, a
correctly-tuned suspension, low center of gravity, and light weight are
paramount. For utilitarian purposes, a large amount of interior space,
reconfigurability of that interior space, and ease of access for passengers
and/or cargo are paramount. This means height and, because of the extra
material needed for that height, more weight and a higher center of gravity
than a sedan or coupe. Mazda has managed the necessary compromises very
well. The fully-independent suspension is tuned more firmly than usual for
a crossover, but correct matching of spring and damping rates and quality
components ensures good ride comfort. Road manners and the driving
experience are closer to sports sedan than sport-utility, yet the CX-7s
utilitarian aspects are not ignored. The crossover driving experience is
most commonly describable as "family wagon", with the emphasis on
functionality and practicality, not excitement. While the CX-7 is as
functional and practical as any of its competitors, it also offers a
driving experience far better than the class average. Family wagon meets
sports car.

And because the CX-7 competes in the entry-luxury crossover
segment, against a host of more-than-competent machinery from around the
world, all of the expected comfort and convenience options should be
available, if not standard equipment. Cabin electronics technology is
advancing at a quick rate, but Mazda has kept the CX-7 current. All models
now have MP3CD-capable audio systems and auxiliary input jacks for personal
music player hookup.

That model lineup is Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.
Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain configuration, with Active
Torque-Split all-wheel drive optional for all. I've just spent a week with
an all-wheel drive Grand Touring model with a rather comprehensive list of
options fitted. It had a fine combination of distinctive styling, a
comfortable, stylish, and fully-functional interior, and unique Mazda
character in the drivetrain and chassis departments. Sports car meets
sport-utility, Zoom-Zoom plus room.

APPEARANCE: If not exactly sports coupe (or even sedan) in looks,
neither is the CX-7 a utilitarian box. The 66-degree windshield rake is its
defining styling element. The sloping roofline and kick-up of the lower
edge of the windows above the rear wheel further suggest a sports intent.
The passenger cabin is car, not SUV, in entrance height. The lower body is
higher than a car's, for interesting and definitely non-car proportions.
With RX-8 influence in its front fascia, headlights, and prominent wheel
arches, the CX-7 is also definitely not a traditional truck of an SUV. But
it does successfully combine the high eyepoint of an SUV with sporty Mazda
styling.

COMFORT: With no pretensions to off-road use, the CX-7 sits
little higher than a sedan. Access is, if anything, easier than a sedan or
coupe, as the seat cushion height will be near hip level for most people.
This also allows a comfortably upright seating position for all occupants.
Driver visibility is good, aided by the small front quarter windows that
allow vision into what could be serious blind spots. The "double-roof"
instrument panel, so-called by Mazda because of the anti-glare hood
("roof") over the instrument cluster and the second "hood" near the base of
windshield, is unique, but does not sacrifice function to style. Passenger
space is equivalent to a large mid-size sedan, meaning that four adults fit
in comfort, with a fifth person possible in the rear for short distances.
The seatback folds with a 60/40 split, and liftover to the cargo area is
not overly high. With the rear seat in place, there is more room than in a
sedan trunk. With the rear seat folded, there is a nearly six-foot long
load floor.
At the Grand Touring level, the CX-7 is sport-contemporary in style and
upper-middle class in basic appointment. Seating surfaces are leather, but
trim is metal-look plastic, not aluminum, if that matters. (It doesn't.)
The climate system is controlled through twin knobs, but with the
Technology Package, the audio and navigation system are interfaced through
the LCD touch screen. The interface is reasonably intuitive, and the Bose
audio system has a great sound. A mini-jack in the console for an external
music player has been added since the car's debut two years ago.

SAFETY: Mazda's Advanced Impact energy Distribution and
Absorption System (MAIDAS) helps the CX-7 to receive a five-star safety
rating for frontal and side-impact crashworthiness, and four stars for
rollover protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. The fuel tank is surrounded by major structural components,
to minimize the chance of leakage in a rear impact. Six airbags, dual
front, front side, and head curtain, are standard.

RIDE AND HANDLING: The CX-7's rigid unibody also helps its
decidedly sporty ride and handling characteristics by providing a solid
mount for its sport-tuned MacPherson strut front, multilink rear
suspension. It has a firm but comfortable ride, with moderately stiff
springs and shocks offset by relatively high-profile 60-series tires on
18-inch wheels. Steering is direct and appropriately weighted, and there is
no noticeable torque steer despite the engine's strong torque output. The
Active Torque Split all-wheel drive system, which can divert up to 50
percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, definitely helps there.
It also helps in slippery conditions. Large antilock ventilated disc brakes
all around, with twin-piston front and conventional single-piston rear
calipers, ensure quick stops. Standard traction control and dynamic
stability control systems help keep the CX-7 stable.

PERFORMANCE: "CX-7" has nothing to do with the late
rotary-powered RX-7. Which doesn't mean that there is nothing interesting
under the hood. There most definitely is, in the form of a direct
fuel-injection, turbocharged and intercooled version of Mazda's 2.3-liter
twincam, 16-valve four-cylinder engine. Direct injection allows a higher
compression ratio, for greater power, lower emissions and fuel consumption,
and minimal turbo lag. Forged connecting rods and crankshaft ensure
longevity. The engine is similar to that used in the recent Mazdaspeed6 and
Mazdaspeed3, but features a different turbocharger and other modifications
to develop horsepower and torque at lower revs, as befits the CX-7's
mission. With a maximum of 244 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque
at a low 2500 rpm, response to throttle input is fast and strong. There is
no need to keep the revs up. Despite its weight, the CX-7 can get up and
move quickly. The six-speed automatic is a key player in its performance,
with smooth, quick shifts and a wide gear ratio spread. For most normal use
it works perfectly well in D, but it can be manually shifted for optimum
performance and enjoyment on country roads or in traffic. Even then D works
surprisingly well, as the transmission control logic holds gears and even
downshifts descending hills.